Birdsong Cottage is a small self-contained house in a private and organic forest-garden oasis.
Wake to an abundance of birdlife and an inspiring dawn chorus.
Enjoy a 5 minute walk to Collingwood’s Courthouse cafe, art studios, and long sandy beach.
Ideal for a restful and creative retreat, or as a base to explore Golden Bay’s famous wilderness tracks and beaches.
Enjoy the local Courthouse Cafe, and an evening at the popular Mussel Inn before hiking or biking the Heaphy Track.
The space
Birdsong Cottage is a small, well built and insulated 2 storey holiday home.
Recycled, natural timber features and simple creative touches abound, with a gently sustainable focus.
The organic permaculture forest-garden is a relaxing oasis.
The downstairs living spaces open onto the deck and lawn. A great place to relax and enjoy the sun or shade, and the beauty of a wilderness garden.
Internal french doors off the lounge lead to a cosy bedroom with 2 single beds (low futon slat beds with comfortable inner-sprung mattresses).
Upstairs you'll find a sun and light-filled attic bedroom, with views of the tree-tops and native birds. This room has a queen slat bed with a comfortable inner-sprung mattress.
A small desk provides the ideal place for some contemplative writing or drawing. Unlimited internet and no tv.
The downstairs bathroom has a shower and a bath (with a garden and bush view). There is a separate toilet with hand basin nearby.
Guest access
Birdsong Cottage is a private holiday home set in an organic garden and bush environment. The whole property is for the private use of guests.
Other things to note
Therapeutic Massage:
Relax and enjoy a Shiatsu Massage (Japanese acupressure) - available from David’s studio next door.
Local Walks:
No need to get in the car if you want to completely unwind …
Birdsong Cottage is on the local's favourite walking "loop". A one hour circuit including mountain views, a bush track, an expansive beach, a tidal river-mouth, an estuary (teaming with bird-life and fish) and a village cafe/gallery stop on the way home.
Or pack for a day out walking along the beach (4km) to Milnthorpe Park and Parapara estuary. We have a picnic set, thermos and backpack for guest’s use.
Birdsong is five minutes from the Lookout Track (for a stunning evening view of the sun setting over the mountains above the estuary and village). Or an estuary-side picnic to watch the drama of wildlife and estuary sunset magic.
Our Beach:
Collingwood Beach is a safe and sandy haven for swimming when the tide is in. On an outgoing tide it becomes an expansive (4km long), sandy wonderland of shallow pools and wading birds. If you are lucky you will see a small group of Godwits who summer-over here, then fly to Alaska. Or a dramatic display of diving Gannets.
Surrounding adventures:
Wharariki Beach and Farewell Spit are great for a day out adventuring.
Drive up the Aorere Valley to the famous Heaphy Track -a multi-day hike to Karamea on the West Coast. Or enjoy the Kaituna Track - for a short walk or day-long river and podocarp forest adventure.
And while you’re nearby - visit the famous historic Bainham Store and Post Office for some old world charm and home baking.
In-house Activities:
Birdsong is equiped with board games, cards, basic art/drawing materials, a few books, and a collection of sports equipment (squash, badminton, cricket and a few balls).
